Solio Ranch Conservancy, also known as Solio Game Reserve is a privately owned Rhino and other wildlife conservation area located Nyeri, central Kenya. The conservancy lies approximately 180 kilometers north of Nairobi and is nestled in a valley between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. It takes about 4 hrs to drive to Solio conservancy from Nairobi, while the nearest town is Nyeri, located about 38 kilometers away.
The 19,000-acre reserve is filled with acacia forest, traversed by a river center to the conservancy.
It is surrounded by a 45,000 acres ranch.
Solio Ranch Conservancy was originally a cattle ranch with a focus on rhino conservation. This led to the establishment of Solio Ranch as a conservancy in 1970. With a successful black rhino breeding program as well as a large complement of white rhinos, many reserves around East Africa have received rhinos from Solio Ranch Conservancy.
Today, Solio Ranch plays a major part in the protection and breeding of black rhinos and is recognized as one of the most successful Rhino conservation projects in East Africa. The animals live in harmony with other wildlife, including lion, cheetah, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe. The conservancy also offers some of the best leopard sightings in the country and is an ideal place for bird watching. While on a game drive, it is not uncommon to come across sightings of up to 40 Rhinos at a time.
Solio Ranch borders other famous Conservancies, Lewa Conservancy where one can see the endangered Grevy’s Zebra and Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is a sanctuary for both Rhinos and Chimpanzees. It enjoys a strategic location offering great views of the second-highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kenya. It is the only conservancy where one may Spot Rhinos and Lions in huge numbers during their safaris in Kenya.
Entrance fees:
The current entrance fees to Solio conservancy are USD 92 for a non-resident adult and USD 45 for a non-resident child (aged below 12 years). Kenyan adult citizens pay KES 2,600 while children aged between 3 and 10 years pay KES 1,400. Kenyan residents pay KES 3,200 (adults) and KES 1,500 for children aged between 3 and 10 years. Safari driver guides and tour vehicles pay KES 800 each per night.
Where to stay:
Guests visiting Solio Conservancy can stay at Solio Lodge, the only lodge which is located inside the conservancy, and offering unbelievable rhino encounters, first class hospitality, exquisite cuisine and abundant outdoor adventures. Another lodge where one can stay during their visit to Solio conservancy is Rhino Watch Safari Lodge, a mid-range facility located about 30 minutes’ drive away from the conservancy.